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I have a confession. I spent three hours trying to make a Demogorgon cake for my kid’s birthday. It looked less like a terrifying inter-dimensional being and more like a sad, melted potato.
The next day, I made these Stranger Things cupcakes. They were gone in 15 minutes. I’m not saying you should skip the elaborate show-stopper, but these nostalgic treats are the real MVP.
They capture the vibe of Hawkins without requiring an art degree. This is the ultimate guide to baking the best Stranger Things cupcakes.
What’s the secret? It’s not just the flavor, it’s the feeling.
One bite and you’re transported to 1983, watching the gang ride their bikes past the Hawkin’s Lab sign. The rich, dark chocolate base is like the Upside Down—mysterious and dangerously addictive. The fluffy, sweet vanilla frosting is the comforting normalcy of Eggo waffles.
It’s a perfect balance. Who knew a cupcake could give you such intense nostalgia? It’s a dessert and a time machine, all in one.
Ingredients
Gathering these ingredients is like assembling the Party.
You need the right team to save Hawkins, and you need the right stuff for these Stranger Things cupcakes. Don’t skip the sour cream; it’s the Joyce Byers of this recipe—unassuming but absolutely essential for keeping everything moist and holding it all together.
- For the Chocolate Cupcakes: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 ½ tsp baking soda, 1 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, 2 large eggs, ¾ cup buttermilk, ½ cup sour cream, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 tsp vanilla extract, ¾ cup hot coffee
- For the Vanilla Frosting: 1 cup unsalted butter (softened), 4 cups powdered sugar, 2-3 tbsp heavy cream, 1 tsp vanilla extract, Pinch of salt
- For the Decoration: Blue and red food coloring, Eleven’s favorite Eggo waffles for garnish, edible alphabet sprinkles
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven and prep your pan. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with festive liners. This is the easiest step, so enjoy it.
- Combine your dry ingredients. Whisk the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. A good whisking prevents lumpy cupcakes, which are scarier than a Demogorgon.
- Mix the wet ingredients. In another bowl, combine the eggs, buttermilk, sour cream, oil, and vanilla. Stir until it’s just smooth. Don’t overmix here, or you’ll get tough cupcakes.
- Marry the wet and dry. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix on medium until combined. The batter will be thick, like the plot of season two.
- Add the secret weapon: hot coffee. Slowly stream in the hot coffee and mix until the batter is thin and glossy. The coffee deepens the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee. It’s pure magic.
- Bake to perfection. Divide the batter evenly and bake for 18-20 minutes. A toothpick should come out clean. Let them cool completely before you even think about frosting.
- Make the iconic frosting. Beat the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, cream, vanilla, and salt. Whip it until it’s cloud-like.
- Decorate your Hawkins masterpiece. Divide the frosting. Leave one portion white and color the rest with blue and red to create the Upside Down aesthetic. Pipe it on, add an Eggo piece, and spell out a message with the sprinkles.
Storage Instructions
If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, you need to store them properly. Store cooled cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
For longer storage, pop them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temp before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze unfrosted cupcakes for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge. This is a perfect batch prep hack for a watch party.
Why You’ll Love This Stranger Things Cupcakes
- Total Crowd-Pleaser: These appeal to kids, adults, and every Hawkins resident in between. They are the ultimate party dessert.
- Nostalgia on a Plate: They are a fun, edible tribute to the show. The decoration process is as enjoyable as eating them.
- Surprisingly Simple: While they look impressive, the process is straightforward. No need for a culinary institute degree, just a mixer and some enthusiasm.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold ingredients. This is a surefire way to get a dense, sad cupcake. IMO, take your eggs and dairy out an hour before.
- Overmixing the batter. You’re not trying to beat up a Demogorgon, just combine ingredients. Overmixing leads to toughness.
- Frosting warm cupcakes. You’ll end up with a melted, soupy mess. Patience is a virtue, especially in baking.
- Skimping on the salt. Salt balances the sweetness. Without it, your frosting will taste one-dimensional and overly sweet.
Alternatives and Variations
Want to mix it up? For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. To make vegan Stranger Things cupcakes, swap the eggs for flax eggs, use plant-based milk and yogurt, and use vegan butter.
You can also make a cream cheese frosting for a tangier twist. Feel free to use different food coloring to match your favorite character or season theme.
FAQs
Can I freeze these Stranger Things cupcakes?
Absolutely! Freeze them without frosting for the best results.
Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
What’s the best substitute for buttermilk?
No buttermilk? No problem.
Add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then fill it to the 1-cup line with regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes until it curdles. It works perfectly.
How long do the Stranger Things cupcakes stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they are best eaten within 2 days at room temperature or 5 days in the refrigerator.
The frosting might start to weep after that.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The decorating is a super fun activity to do with kids. They’ll love adding the sprinkles and Eggo waffle toppings.
It’s a great family baking project for a themed night.
Can I prep the Stranger Things cupcakes ahead of time?
For sure. You can bake the cupcakes a day in advance, let them cool completely, and store them unfrosted. Make the frosting the day of for the best texture and stability when piping.
Final Thoughts
These Stranger Things cupcakes are more than just a dessert; they’re an experience.
They’re the perfect centerpiece for your next binge-watch session or themed party. I promise they’re easier than understanding the Vecna timeline. Now I need to know—which character are you decorating for?
Leave a comment below and show me your creations!
Kai is a 25-year-old digital artist and baker from Toronto, Canada. Inspired by anime, gaming, and online culture, he transform pixel art and internet trends into edible creations. hes viral cupcake version of the Pokémon world map gained over 3 million views on TikTok.
